Parris For A Day

JOLIET – According to Joliet Catholic Academy coach Mark Hansen, it was a win-win Monday. The Hilltoppers earned a one-stroke victory over Providence Catholic, but sportsmanship took a bow as well.

John Platt, the top teaching pro in Illinois for 2011, is Providence’s head coach and Mike Orvis his assistant. Orvis handled the head coaching duties Monday, with Platt away attempting to qualify for the Illinois section of the PGA championship.

Afterward, once Cole Parris edged Providence’s Matt Tucker 43-44 as the fifth golfer tiebreaker, Hansen noted how much the rivalry victory would actually mean to both teams — and both sets of coaches.

“They are a great group of guys and there was great sportsmanship,” Hansen said. “They work with our kids in the offseason, too, and they are happy with our kids’ success. Anybody who wants to be a good golfer goes to John and Mike in the winter. They’re just great people.”

JCA (6-0) is off to a great start, winning against Providence when both teams totaled a 168 through four golfers at the Joliet Country Club.

Juniors Brandon Newsome (Joliet) and Nick Lennon (Shorewood) each carded a 41 for the Hillmen, while junior Jimmy Chignoli (Joliet) and senior Drew Stover (Channahon) added 43s.

Parris, a senior from Joliet Parris and the son of former major-league pitcher Steve Parris, turned the tide.

GIRLS GOLF: A long bus drive to West Chicago and less-than-ideal course conditions sent the JCA girls golf team down a tough path, resulting in a 175-191 loss to the host school at St. Andrews.

Junior Claire O’Connor (Joliet) paced the Angels with a 44, while senior Laurel Stofan (Joliet) followed with a 48 and junior Maddy Troha (Joliet) shot a 49. Junior Carmella Bolin (Plainfield) contributed a 50.

Hannah Netisingha of West Chicago was the medalist with a 40. Stephanie Tillman (Plainfield) and Jessica DeLaVergne (Plainfield) also shot 53s for the Angels.

It was the first loss of the season for JCA.